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February 19, 2026
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Locally Owned Bub’s Spirits Launches on Main Street in Odessa: Bub’s Spirits, a new liquor store owned by Dustin and Billie Jo Carnes, has officially opened its doors at 101 E. Main Street in Odessa. The ribbon-cutting event was hosted by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, with both the owners and Chamber representatives addressing attendees. Guests at the opening browsed a selection of wines, spirits, and specialty beverages. The store is now open for business daily, serving the Odessa community and surrounding areas. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 19)
February 8, 2026
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Power Restored in Watkins Glen After Village-Wide Outage Caused by Cold Snap: Watkins Glen experienced a significant power outage on Saturday night when an intense cold front led to system overloads, prompting widespread electricity loss through much of the village. Residents were asked to conserve power by limiting use of electric heating. During the outage, the Watkins Glen Fire Department operated as a warming center for those affected. By late evening, officials confirmed that electric service had been fully restored to all areas of the village. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Feb 8)
January 19, 2026
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Watkins Glen Community Celebrates Local Racing Historian's 90th Birthday: James J. Scaptura, a lifelong Watkins Glen resident and racing enthusiast, was honored on his 90th birthday at the International Motor Racing Research Center. Family, friends, and racing fans gathered to recognize his contributions as a retired educator, village historian, and motorsports supporter. Scaptura played a key role in establishing the Grand Prix Racer Walk of Fame and was instrumental in ticket sales during Watkins Glen's Grand Prix years. The celebration highlighted his deep ties to both the village and its racing history. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 19)
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Watkins Glen Celebrates 90th Birthday of Racing Figure James J. Scaptura: Community members gathered at the International Motor Racing Research Center to recognize James J. Scaptura as he celebrated his 90th birthday. Scaptura, a lifelong Watkins Glen resident, is known for his dedication to local motorsports and his years of community service. He served as an educator, village historian, initiated the Grand Prix Racer Walk of Fame, and managed ticket sales for the region's Grand Prix races. His legacy as a passionate motorsports supporter remains valued in Watkins Glen. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 19)
January 10, 2026
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Schuyler County Responds to Advanced Nuclear Facility Proposal: Schuyler County has entered discussions about a possible advanced nuclear facility following a statewide initiative aimed at expanding nuclear energy. While the New York Power Authority named the county as interested, local officials clarified they do not expect to host a full-scale 1-gigawatt plant due to practical limitations. Leaders emphasized their participation is to remain informed and involved as nuclear technologies develop. The county aims to explore future options that may align better with local capabilities. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 10)
January 9, 2026
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Watkins Glen Trustees Address Downtown Parking and Event Approvals at January Meeting: At its first meeting of the year on January 6, the Watkins Glen Village Board of Trustees listened to local business owners' concerns about downtown parking limits and the effects of parking enforcement on customer visits. Discussions also included public safety issues regarding snow and ice at local crosswalks. The board proceeded to approve several resolutions related to upcoming community events, equipment acquisitions, and staffing plans. The decisions aim to balance business needs and public services in the village. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Jan 9)
December 28, 2025
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Watkins Glen Boards Address Marina Zoning, Spending, and Community Concerns: The Village Board, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals in Watkins Glen met recently to consider several local matters, including zoning disputes, lease agreements, and infrastructure funding. A major topic was a request from Glen Harbor Marina for a zoning variance to permit boat trailer repairs, raising questions about appropriate land uses. Board members discussed whether the repair activity aligns with existing marina functions and local zoning rules. Public participation in these meetings remained minimal throughout. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 28)
December 11, 2025
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Watkins Glen State Park Leads 2025 List of Trending New York Parks: Watkins Glen State Park has been recognized as the most trending state park in New York for 2025, according to Google's annual search trends. The park experienced a significant spike in online interest during July 2025, with search activity increasing more than fivefold. This heightened attention highlights the park's growing appeal as a destination for both residents and tourists. The recognition underscores the Finger Lakes region's continued popularity. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Dec 11)
December 8, 2025
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Watkins Glen Village Christmas Festival Features Parade and Fireworks: The 32nd annual Village Christmas transformed downtown Watkins Glen on Friday, bringing festive activities to Franklin Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on the Polar Express, leading a holiday parade filled with elves, music, and giveaways. Families participated in face painting, visited a petting zoo, sang karaoke, and watched fireworks over Seneca Lake. Supported by Centralus Health and local sponsors, the free event offered vendors, shopping, and strolling performers. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 8)
November 25, 2025
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32nd Annual Village Christmas Scheduled for Watkins Glen on December 5: Watkins Glen will host its 32nd Annual Village Christmas on Friday, December 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. along Franklin Street. Activities include a tree lighting, live performances, food and craft vendors, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will arrive on the Polar Express trolley. The event will also feature a parade, fireworks over Seneca Lake at 7:30 p.m., and interactive attractions such as face painting, a petting zoo, and holiday karaoke. Admission is free for all attendees. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 25)
November 8, 2025
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Watkins Glen Trustees Approve Property Sale and Update Parking Rules: The Watkins Glen Board of Trustees approved steps to sell a long-held village-owned property on Magee Street during their November 4 meeting. The board also adopted updates to the community's seasonal parking policy and mandated additional training for code enforcement personnel. Residents voiced concerns about neglected properties, and a representative from the New York State Comptroller’s Office participated in the session. The actions addressed several community priorities in a single meeting. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 8)
November 7, 2025
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Geneva Man Charged With Burglary and Theft After Alleged Break-In: A Geneva resident, Michael Edger, 38, was arrested and charged on June 28 after authorities responded to a reported burglary at a North Street apartment. Police allege Edger entered the residence without permission and took property from within the home. Edger faces multiple charges, including burglary and petit larceny, and was transported to the Ontario County Jail. He is currently awaiting further legal proceedings on these charges. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 31)
November 3, 2025
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Fire & Ice Celebration Scheduled for Watkins Glen, Clayton, and Celoron in 2026: The Fire & Ice Celebration will return to three waterfront hotels in New York State in early 2026, including locations in Watkins Glen, Clayton, and Celoron. These winter events feature ice sculptures, fire pits, themed drinks, and live entertainment, offering visitors a unique seasonal experience. Each celebration will benefit a different local charity, with proceeds supporting pediatric cancer, veterans, or child advocacy groups. Dates are set for each location with distinctive festivities planned. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 3)
October 29, 2025
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Schuyler County to Hold Drug Take Back Event at Multiple Locations Saturday: Schuyler County residents can dispose of expired medications and tobacco products at three sites on October 25. The event, organized by the Sheriff's Office, Public Health, and SCCUDD, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Odessa and Tyrone Fire Departments and Walmart in Watkins Glen. The service is a (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 22)
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Lake Country Players to Present SpongeBob Musical in Watkins Glen: The Lake Country Players will stage The SpongeBob Musical at Watkins Glen High School auditorium from November 14 to 16. The production features local performers and music by well-known artists. Tickets are available at the door, with varying prices for adults, seniors, students, and free admission, (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 21)
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Schuyler County students recognized in Thunder in the Glen coloring contest: Elementary students from Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour, and Bradford school districts were selected as winners in the Thunder in the Glen coloring contest, organized by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and Watkins Glen International. The contest, featuring artwork by a local motorsports art, (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 21)
October 23, 2025
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Watkins Glen Board Discusses Infrastructure Repairs and Updates Parking Policy: At its October 21 meeting, the Watkins Glen Village Board considered a range of topics including ongoing public health efforts, infrastructure repairs, and adjustments to its parking policies. Updates included plans for vaccine outreach, upcoming events like National Drug Take-Back Day and rabies clinics, and reminders about lead poisoning prevention surveys. Seasonal parking fees remain at $8 per day, but village residents can park for free if they display a current decal. Public Works also reported continued dry weather and infrastructure maintenance. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 23)
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Watkins Glen and Bradford School Districts Consider Possible Merger: The Watkins Glen and Bradford school districts in the Finger Lakes region are in ongoing discussions about a potential merger as they face challenges related to declining student enrollment and financial constraints. Initial talks began in September, following a year of informal conversations among (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 23)
October 22, 2025
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Watkins Glen Village Board Reviews Local Issues at October 21 Meeting: The Watkins Glen Village Board convened on October 21 to discuss various community matters. The meeting addressed local governance topics relevant to residents. A webcast of the session is available for those interested in the full proceedings. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 22)